NDF to march to Russian beat

THE introduction of Russian drill methods has old soldiers worried about learning new tricks and others fearing it could affect their ranks and salaries.

But Defence Minister Erkki Nghimtina, who yesterday confirmed that the Namibia Defence Force (NDF) was changing its drill style, has dismissed concerns that major changes await the structure of the military. Worried soldiers called The Namibian to say Russian instructors had been stationed at the military base at Okahandja for the past few weeks training some commanders.They have also given them the drill manual of the former communist empire.Namibia uses the drilling style of the former South African Defence Force which is believed to be based on the Commonwealth manual.Some soldiers said the two methods differed widely and have questioned why they had not been informed of the upcoming changes.Nghimtina said the new style would not be entirely new to people in the army as it was used by the Swapo armed wing, the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan).”It is more comfortable, elegant and presents a good balance for the soldiers,” he said.”You cannot get tired on the Russian” drill method as was the case with the present method.The Minister said that old soldiers merely needed to adapt because the system would not be changed for individuals.”Training is going on and we will have a parade for people to see the difference,” said Nghimtina, adding that the soldiers raising concerns would themselves benefit from the method.”They are the ones who will say ‘we are happy with the drilling’.”It is not clear when the Russian drill will come into effect.Worried soldiers called The Namibian to say Russian instructors had been stationed at the military base at Okahandja for the past few weeks training some commanders.They have also given them the drill manual of the former communist empire.Namibia uses the drilling style of the former South African Defence Force which is believed to be based on the Commonwealth manual.Some soldiers said the two methods differed widely and have questioned why they had not been informed of the upcoming changes.Nghimtina said the new style would not be entirely new to people in the army as it was used by the Swapo armed wing, the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan).”It is more comfortable, elegant and presents a good balance for the soldiers,” he said.”You cannot get tired on the Russian” drill method as was the case with the present method.The Minister said that old soldiers merely needed to adapt because the system would not be changed for individuals.”Training is going on and we will have a parade for people to see the difference,” said Nghimtina, adding that the soldiers raising concerns would themselves benefit from the method.”They are the ones who will say ‘we are happy with the drilling’.”It is not clear when the Russian drill will come into effect.